The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially responded to the buzz created by the viral pictures and videos of him serving food at a public event.
The former Anambra State Governor, in a statement on Sunday, explained that what happened was not about chasing clout, but its purpose was to remind people about what true leadership is, which is service.
Recall that following the viral video, some reactions criticized Obi, saying it was all part of the theatrics for the 2027 election.
However, the Labour Party chieftain, in a personally signed message on Sunday, the event was a Jubilee of Hope programme, which was a private event, and third-party figures shared videos and pictures to twist something sincere into something political.
He added that the Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build to teach a lesson on the type of society the world needs which should be anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.
Peter Obi added that several others, including people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako and others, participated in the event.
He wrote: “My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest, as expectedly, because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership.
“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. Let me be clear, that event was not about me. It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and its purpose is straightforward, to remind us all that true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not.
“When I attended the Jubilee of Hope in Imo State, it was a private service event. I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos. As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political.
“But let me restate the heart of the matter, the Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build. A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.
“I was not the only one who served that day. Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated, people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, and many others, quietly and sincerely. It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience.”
Speaking further, Obi explained that service has always been a lifestyle for him, noting that he doesn’t have a househelp and he personally serves people who visit his house.
He warned against twisting the lesson behind the event into a political narrative, saying service to Nigerians must not be seasonal, but must become a way of life.
“I am genuinely surprised that this simple act has become a topic of discussion. As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life.
“At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. I could not ignore them. That was the only reason. Otherwise, there was nothing special about what I did. Service is not special, it is expected.
“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor. Events like this must not remain symbolic, they must become cultural. Public office holders, business leaders, and everyday citizens must unite in lifting others.
“Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right,” Obi concluded.
